Rangers are enjoying an impressive winning streak since their dismal Old Firm defeat against Celtic before last month’s international break. They stunned Malmo on Matchday 1 of their Europa League campaign, but the test will be sterner on Thursday night against French hotshots Olympique Lyonnais.
Lyon might be struggling in Ligue 1 with just 2 wins in 6 games. However, Pierre Sage’s men clinched a 2-0 victory when they hosted Olympiacos a week ago. While they have several high-profile names in their ranks, it won’t be a stroll in the park for Les Gones against the upbeat Gers at Ibrox. Philippe Clement will miss some key names due to injury concerns, but the others have stepped in and delivered so far across competitions.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Rangers Lineup To Face Lyon
Defence
Jack Butland has been in majestic form lately with four successive clean sheets. Also, he saved a spot-kick last weekend en route to defending an edgy 1-0 win against Hibernian. The veteran Englishman should relish the battle versus the familiar forwards Alexandre Lacazette, Said Benrahma and Wilfried Zaha.
Rangers finally found some stability across the backline with John Souttar and Robin Propper showing resilience and composure as the central defensive pairing. James Tavernier has shown signs of improvement in terms of defensive traits, also, a stellar show against Hibs should see Jefte featuring as the left fullback after missing out on the Malmo tie due to suspension. Versatile Neraysho Kasanwirjo and the veteran Leon Balogun should make the matchday squad and could even be deployed as second-half substitutes.
Midfield
Clement has relied on Connor Barron week in, and week out but, at the same time, has rotated Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell to avoid fitness woes. Diomande dominated the midfield game against Malmo and the young Ivorian should get the nod to form a ‘double pivot’ alongside Barron.
Although the Belgian boss is blessed with options deep down the midfield, injuries to Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo left him with Nedim Bajrami, Vaclav Cerny and Ross McCausland as the only available wide attackers. McCausland and Bajrami played one half each against Hibs but could start together this midweek. Tom Lawrence is in red-hot form with 3 goals and 1 assist in 6 Premiership encounters. The Welshman must exhibit his creative spark while driving the show as an attacking playmaker.
Attack
Hamza Igamane was handed a rare start on Sunday afternoon. But the Moroccan is expected to make way for Cyriel Dessers who has showcased his flair and finesse as an outright centre-forward.
